I was smart enough to seek help - Grosjean

Romain Grosjean says seeing a sports psychologist has been the key to unlocking a series of strong results towards the end of the season.

After a patchy start to the year, Grosjean took four podiums in the final six races, emerging as Red Bull's only real threat at the final few races and securing his drive at Lotus next season. His performances were in stark contrast to 2012 when Grosjean weathered criticism from his fellow drivers and the media after a series of first lap incidents and mistakes.

Over the winter he sought help from a sports psychologist in France and he believes the weekly sessions have helped him get in the right frame of mind to lead his team and fight for titles in the future.

"I think I started because I was clever enough to think I needed help," he said. "It's not a proof of weakness, it is more a strong point because you can always improve yourself and that is why I still work with her now.

"Sometimes I've wanted to dance quicker than the music, like in Monaco this year and I messed up the weekend because I wanted to go too fast for where we were. It's about being in the right time, doing the right things, managing the pressure and the stress, when it comes up, and knowing why and how. Seeing how people are reacting around you helps you understand the pace yourself. It's also about being ready to be a No. 1 and a world champion, which is not that easy at the end of the day."

Grosjean said the sessions are varied but have helped him with self-confidence.

"There is a lot that goes on with her. She is used to working with very high-level athletes - French Olympic champions have been working with her. What we talk about depends on which mood you are in and what you need to work on. Once a week I meet her and we speak - a little bit about self-confidence and also not caring too much about what other people think. It's very specific but it's hard to say exactly what we have been working on."

Grosjean confirmed he would keep working with the psychologist next year.

"I think I will continue for a while, because I do think you can always improve yourself and I do think it makes me a better man at home and a better driver on the track. So it makes my life much easier!"